“Technological solutions for Engine encapsulation for Automotive”: The final objective of the TECA Project involves the creation of the encapsulation of the engine compartment, using parts mounted on the body for a B-segment SUV. The TECA project has as its objective the research and development of new structural components which, taking advantage of new materials and new solutions will allow an improvement in the acoustic and thermal performance of the vehicle, with consequent benefits on emissions and therefore on the reduction of CO2.

In the project, an engine compartment encapsulation system will be developed which allows reducing thermal dispersion when the engine is stopped; in this way the stored heat allows the cooling of the propulsion unit to be delayed and, upon subsequent re-starting, to reduce harmful exhaust emissions and fuel consumption to levels similar to the conditions of a thermally regulated engine. In fact, it is known that most of the components harmful to the exhaust (HC, CO, NOx, CO2) are emitted in the first phase of thermal regulation of the engine. Specifically, the objective of MD PLAST S.p.A., within the Teca project, was to research and develop additives with a view to weight reduction, thermal properties and flammability to be used in the design of innovative structural components for the encapsulation of the engine compartment. In other words, this research project is aimed at the study and development of new automotive components for the encapsulation of the powertrain, with the specific objective of contributing to the reduction of CO2 emissions, improving thermal and acoustic performance. Since these are innovative components, which must ensure acoustic and thermal performance, the Project will take into consideration the use of plastic materials which, with the help of new generation additives, guarantee a reduction in weight and thermo-acoustic insulation of the engine compartment and good flame resistance properties.